Little River officials extend coronavirus precautions

Tribal nation receives $1.25 million in relief funding

By Scott Fraley, Staff Writer

Published
1:04 am EDT, Wednesday, April 29, 2020

The Little River Casino Resort sits empty during the state's stay-home order. Tribal governments often rely on casino revenue to fund services which they provide to the indigenous community. (Scott Fraley/News Advocate)

The Little River Casino Resort sits empty during the state's stay-home order. Tribal governments often rely on casino revenue to fund services which they provide to the indigenous community. (Scott Fraley/News

The Little River Casino Resort sits empty during the state's stay-home order. Tribal governments often rely on casino revenue to fund services which they provide to the indigenous community. (Scott Fraley/News Advocate)

The Little River Casino Resort sits empty during the state's stay-home order. Tribal governments often rely on casino revenue to fund services which they provide to the indigenous community. (Scott Fraley/News

MANISTEE COUNTY -- While communities throughout the county are experiencing the economic and health impacts of coronavirus, the region's native population is facing their own challenges amid the outbreak.

Larry Romanelli, ogema of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians (LRBOI) addressed tribal members from his home via video, following Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's announced extension of the state's stay at home order recently.

LRBOI officials have coordinated their efforts with the state's other 11 tribal governments, Romanelli said.

"We're working with the other tribes in the state of Michigan," Romanelli said in the video. "We meet by way of telephone calls to … see how we can survive this in the best way."

While Romanelli can't say for certain when the Little River Casino Resort will fully reopen, he anticipates that some of the current restrictions will remain in place.

"The changes happen continually, we think that when we get going again there's going to be changes," he said."We'll probably keep the 6 foot distancing. Right now we're requiring masks for the employees who are working and also using the sanitizers."

As the head of a sovereign government, Romanelli has exercised his authority to issue executive orders for LRBOI tribal members during the outbreak. While tribal territory is not subject to Whitmer's stay-home order, Michigan tribes have followed the state's directive to shut down all nonessential business, including the Little River Casino Resort.

The coronavirus pandemic and stay-home order has been particularly difficult on tribal governments that rely on large gatherings and casino revenues. Due to the hardship incurred as a result of COVID-19, the tribe has been awarded a grant for $1,250,319 through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) act earlier this month.

Payments to tribal governments are determined by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and Indian Tribes, according to the U.S. Department of Treasury website.

While nonessential businesses remain closed for the time being, food security remains a primary concern for tribal leadership during the outbreak.

The tribe's Food Distribution Office has remained open with reduced hours, to serve those who may be struggling to afford food. The food pantry is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, and 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. between Tuesday and Friday.

The Food Distribution Office is still processing new participant applications and taking orders, according to supervisor Ken LaHaye.

LRBOI officials have also canceled cultural events and celebrations which include the 24th annual Pow Wow and this year's Anishinaabe Family Language and Culture Camp.

LRBOI officials anticipate that the Little River Government Center may reopen in a limited capacity by May 15.

For more information on tribal affairs during the pandemic, visit lrboi-nsn.gov.